Arkangel77

I have a new 180 gallon Discus tank with a Wet/Dry filter under it. I have noticed a large amount of protein/foam on top of the water in the wet/dry. I scoop it out when it gets bad and it seems to come and go. I have a history with salt water tanks and I was wondering if a protein skimmer might be a worth wile investment? I also understand that saltwater allows for the creation of much finer bubbles than freshwater which is why they work so well in saltwater systems. I read however that they were originally created for use in freshwater systems.

SO - Does anyone use a protein skimmer on a freshwater system? Will it even work?
Thanks for the help.
Arkangel77

cerianthus

I really wont bother with PS for F/W although ran to test it out about 2 decades ago. It wont work as well as in salt unless all the fancy gadget are hooked up such as Air dryer, Ozonizer, O3-O2 reactor, ORP controller to automatically control Ozonizer, etc, etc.
Unless you are constantly feeding beefheart, wont bother with it, imo.
As to alternatives. how about using organic removing resins in w/d to help you remove proteins and fatty acids along with other organic matter (costly unless resins can be regenerated). Or more of small but frequent water changes (cheaper but more work).
If W/D is higher and near the any drain, you can drill hole toward top of one side of W/D and plumb to drain (check valve will be nice thus no back flush in case you know what.. Set up reserve (aeration/circulation and heater) higher than tank with valve. Shut off the heater/circulator and open the valve little to fill the tank away from the overflow. Water will auto drain into W/D and to house drain. No buckets.

lew2000

I currently use a subcurrent skimmer on my sump. You could also look into a surface skimmer on a wet/dry. Though surface skimmers get mixed reviews. I had buildup on my wet/dry/sump and used to use an airstone with a small pump to break this up.